The role of long noncoding RNAs in malaria parasites

A bioinformatic approach for the prediction and functional classification of Toxoplasma gondii long non-coding RNAs

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as significant players in diverse cellular processes, including cell differentiation. Advancements in computational methodologies have facilitated the prediction of lncRNA functions, enabling insights even in non-model organisms like pathogenic parasites, in roles such as parasite development, antigenic variation, and epigenetics. In this work, we focus on the apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii differentiation process, where the infective stage, tachyzoite, can develop into the cysted stage, bradyzoite, under stress conditions. Using a publicly available transcriptome dataset, we predicted putative lncRNA sequences associated with this differentiation process. Notably, a substantial proportion of these putative lncRNAs exhibited stage-specific expression, particularly at the bradyzoite stage. Furthermore, co-expression patterns between coding transcripts and putative TglncRNAs suggest their involvement in shared processes, such as bradyzoite development. Putative TglncRNA loci analysis revealed their potential influence on the expression of nearby coding genes, including subtelomeric genes unique to the T. gondii genome. Finally we propose a k-mer analysis approach to predict putative functional relationships between characterized lncRNAs from model organisms like Homo sapiens and the putative T. gondii lncRNAs. Our perspective led to predict putative T. gondii lncRNA that potentially could act mediating DNA damage repair pathways, opening a new study field to validate this kind of adaptive mechanisms of T. gondii in response to stress conditions.

Understanding the Antiplasmodial Action of Resistance-Refractory Xanthoquinodin A1

Our previous work identified a series of 12 xanthoquinodin analogues and 2 emodin-dianthrones with broad-spectrum activities against Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Plasmodium falciparum. Analyses conducted in this study revealed that the most active analogue, xanthoquinodin A1, also inhibits Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and the liver stage of Plasmodium berghei, with no cross-resistance to the known antimalarial targets PfACS, PfCARL, PfPI4K, or DHODH. In Plasmodium, inhibition occurs prior to multinucleation and induces parasite death following 12 h of compound exposure. This moderately fast activity has impeded resistance line generation, with xanthoquinodin A1 demonstrating an irresistible phenotype in both T. gondii and P. falciparum.

Long non-coding RNAs as promising targets for controlling disease vector mosquitoes

Hematophagous female mosquitoes are important vectors of numerous devastating human diseases, posing a major public health threat. Effective prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases rely considerably on progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of various life activities, and accordingly, the molecules that regulate the various life activities of mosquitoes are potential targets for implementing future vector control strategies. Many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified in mosquitoes and significant progress has been made in determining their functions. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the research advances on mosquito lncRNAs, including their molecular identification, function, and interaction with other non-coding RNAs, as well as their synergistic regulatory roles in mosquito life activities. We also highlight the potential roles of competitive endogenous RNAs in mosquito growth and development, as well as in insecticide resistance and virus-host interactions. Insights into the biological functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in mosquito life activities, viral replication, pathogenesis, and transmission will contribute to the development of novel drugs and safe vaccines.

Dynamic profiles of lncRNAs reveal a functional natural antisense RNA that regulates the development of Schistosoma japonicum

Schistosomes are flatworm parasites that undergo a complex life cycle involving two hosts. The regulation of the parasite's developmental processes relies on both coding RNAs and non-coding RNAs. However, the roles of non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in schistosomes remain largely unexplored. Here we conduct advanced RNA sequencing on male and female S. japonicum during their pairing and reproductive development, resulting in the identification of nearly 8,000 lncRNAs. This extensive dataset enables us to construct a comprehensive co-expression network of lncRNAs and mRNAs, shedding light on their interactions during the crucial reproductive stages within the mammalian host. Importantly, we have also revealed a specific lncRNA, LNC3385, which appears to play a critical role in the survival and reproduction of the parasite. These findings not only enhance our understanding of the dynamic nature of lncRNAs during the reproductive phase of schistosomes but also highlight LNC3385 as a potential therapeutic target for combating schistosomiasis.

Exosome-derived long noncoding RNAs: Mediators of host-Plasmodium parasite communication

Overcoming challenges associated with malaria eradication proves to be a formidable task due to the complicated life cycle exhibited by the malaria parasite and the lack of safe and enduring vaccines against malaria. Investigating the interplay between Plasmodium parasites and their mammalian hosts is crucial for the development of novel vaccines. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) derived from Plasmodium parasites or host cells have emerged as potential signaling molecules involved in the trafficking of proteins, RNA (mRNAs, miRNAs, and ncRNAs), and DNA. These lncRNAs facilitate the interaction between hosts and parasites, impacting normal physiology or pathology in malaria-infected individuals. Moreover, they possess the capacity to regulate immune responses and associated signaling pathways, thus potentially influencing chromatin organization, epigenetic modifications, mRNA processing, splicing, and translation. However, the functional role of exosomal lncRNAs in malaria remains poorly understood. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of lncRNA and exosomal lncRNA profiles during malaria infection. It presents an overview of recent progress in elucidating the involvement of exosomal lncRNAs in host-parasite interactions. Additionally, potential exosomal lncRNAs linked to the domains of innate and adaptive immunity in the context of malaria are proposed. These findings may contribute to the discovery of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for malaria. Furthermore, the need for additional research was highlighted that aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying lncRNA transportation into host cells and their targeting of specific genes to regulate the host's immune response. This knowledge gap presents an opportunity for future investigations, offering innovative approaches to enhance malarial control. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule-RNA Interactions RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.